LUTZ, Fla., Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 45 percent of the working population in the U.S. are satisfied with their jobs, according to a recent survey of 5,000 households. To address this problem, people need tools to help identify careers that are a good fit for their interests and skills. The popular Self-Directed Search® (SDS®) from PAR, Inc., a leading publisher of assessment instruments, provides a solution for today's job seekers. The brand-new SDS 5th Edition is a 15-minute, self-administered test for those beginning their career search as well as those considering a career change.
"Taking the SDS is an important first step in developing a career plan that can prevent years of dissatisfaction on the job," says SDS 5th Edition author, Melissa Messer. "The SDS guides users toward careers that will help them meet their personal and financial goals and that they enjoy."
According to Ms. Messer, no special training or qualifications are needed with the SDS; it is designed to be self-administered, self-scored, and self-interpreted. The SDS can be taken online; with paper and pencil; or via PARiConnect, PAR's new online assessment system.
The SDS 5th Edition is based on Dr. John Holland's theory that both people and work environments fit into six basic categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (known collectively as RIASEC). The SDS generates a three-letter Summary Code for each user, based on his or her aspirations, activities, competencies, and interest in different occupations. Users can match their Summary Codes to jobs in the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database, which lists thousands of current jobs at all skill and education levels.
The SDS Web site has also been updated with new resources targeted to specific groups and a contemporary, easy-to-navigate user interface. The newly revised report includes an "at-a-glance" summary, and users can share their results via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. The SDS 5th Edition is designed to work on mobile devices and tablets.
To learn more about the SDS 5th Edition or any of PAR's other career or vocational products, visit www.parinc.com or call 1.800.331.8378.
Founded in 1978, PAR is a leading publisher of assessment instruments, software, and other related materials. Over the past three decades, PAR has earned a reputation for providing customers with innovative assessment solutions and unparalleled customer service.
SOURCE PAR, Inc.
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